Why did we have a civil war and who were the roundheads and cavaliers? - Teacher notes

The unit on the English Civil War is designed to provide pupils with a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind this significant conflict in British history. The unit begins with an introductory video that sets the stage for the exploration of the causes of the Civil War. Students delve into the religious tensions that persisted between Protestants and Catholics, which played a crucial role in the events leading up to the war. They learn about Charles I, who succeeded James I, and his contentious demand for money from a Parliament unwilling to comply. This dispute over finances and authority was a key factor in the escalation of tensions.

As the unit progresses, pupils examine the dissolution of Parliament and the rise to power of Oliver Cromwell, a central figure in the Civil War. The course highlights the unprecedented execution of Charles I, marking him as the first and only British monarch to be beheaded, an act that had profound implications for the monarchy and the nation. Following the Civil War, England experienced an interregnum, an eleven-year period without a monarch, during which Oliver Cromwell governed the country. Through additional educational videos, students gain a deeper insight into the complexities of this turbulent period. The Roundheads and Cavaliers, the two opposing factions during the Civil War, are also discussed, with the Roundheads supporting the Parliamentary cause and the Cavaliers backing the monarchy. Understanding this period helps students grasp the lasting impact of the Civil War on British political and social structures.